Razgrad, Bulgaria

Travel Guide to Razgrad, Bulgaria

Razgrad is located in a valley near the Beli Lom River in northwestern Bulgaria. The town sprang from the ruins of an ancient Roman city called Abritus. Many historic buildings are located within the town limits and offer amazing displays of architecture through the ages.

As the capital of the province of Razgrad, the city Razgrad is smaller than other Bulgarian towns. However, there is still plenty to experience, enough to keep a tourist occupied for a day or so.

Province: Razgrad

Population: 39,540 (Year 2005)

Altitude: 164 Metres

Postcode: 7200

Area Code: 084

Geographic Coordinates: 43° 32' North, 26° 31 East

History

There is no firm proof of the date Razgrad was founded. Historians do now that there were settlers in the third century B.C. when the Sveshtari Thracian Tomb was constructed. It is known that Razgrad is an extremely ancient town with links to the Thracians, Romans, Ottomans, and Bulgarians. Thanks to ancient burial grounds, researchers know that Thracians settled the area thousands of years ago. The town was known as Abritus during the Roman period, Hrazgrad during the Ottomans period, and then was renamed Razgrad by the Bulgarians.

Site Seeing

There are a number of attractions for the tourist. Starting with the Voden
Hunting Reserve, hunters will find the hunting in Voden to be some of the world's
best. More than 15,000 hectares are filled with red deer, fallow deer, bison,
wild boar, mouflon (sheep), and predatory foxes, jackals, and various wildcats.
The area is mostly dense forest and makes for exquisite hunting.

Built in 1530, the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, the third largest in the Balkans, is an architectural delight. Huge narrow towers and peaks stand vivid against the skyline. It is amazing to view.

There are a number of museums scattered throughout the area. The Ethnographic Museum is a great starting point.

Right in the town centre is a clock tower. Built in the 1800s by Todor Tondchev, the clock tower is worthy of some time. Small gardens and historic buildings surround the clock tower.

Be sure to visit the ruins of Abritus. The ruins are in excellent shape and are certain to take you back to the days of the Romans.

If you want something to do that is more laid back, visit on of the area's
parks. Typically, a children's playground and many picnic tables are available
for families. Parks are located near lakes, ponds, and rivers. The chance of
viewing some wildlife is high.

Accommodation

There are six main hotels or bed and breakfasts in Razgrad. Some have restaurants and others are more low-key and offer only the basics.

Hotel Aktsent offers six single rooms, six double rooms, and two suites. The in-house restaurant has two seating areas. The interior dining area has fifty seats. There is an outdoor seating patio with forty seats and is only open in the summer months. Private bathrooms, radio alarm clocks, minibars, telephones, and room service are all standard. Outdoor gardens and an in-ground swimming pool are available for guestsâ€™ use.

Four floors can hold up to 100 guests at Hotel Balkanfarma. The hotel offers both a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Rooms are rather basic and come with private bathrooms. A short distance from the town centre, this is a good choice for tourists who want to experience more than one town.

Hotel Central has 52 rooms each with a private bath, satellite television, telephone, and refrigerator. A medical centre, fitness centre, billiards room, and dry cleaning service are all located in the hotel building.

The more rustic Hotel Delfin has nine double rooms. The rooms do not have private baths. A shared bathroom is available on each floor, however. The hotel is near many shops, restaurants, and bars.

Hotel Razgrad is located in the city centre. With a disco, restaurants, tavern, and two bars in the establishment, there is plenty for the active tourist to do. All rooms have bathrooms, satellite television, radio alarm clocks, refrigerators, and telephones.

Finally, Hotel Patna Sreshta is another smaller hotel with 26 rooms and 2 suites. Rooms offer private bathrooms, telephones, and satellite televisions. An open-air buffet restaurant is available and offers room service as well.

Industry

Surprisingly, pharmaceuticals are the area's largest moneymaker. Balkanpharma,
located in Razgrad, produces many medical drugs and hires many local residents.

Rich kaolin deposits help bring money into the economy. Diamant produces sheets of glass for making mirrors and windows. Diamant also creates porcelain.

Not as large as the pharmaceutical or glass making companies, agriculture
is another important aspect in Razgrad's economy. Tobacco is produced in ample
amounts.

Gastronomy

Thanks to Lactobacterium Bulgaricum, a bacterial culture found only in Bulgaria, the yoghurt in the area is the best in the world. Many beverages, desserts, main dishes, and sides use yoghurt as key ingredients.

Because Bulgaria has had a blend of cultures throughout history, much of Bulgaria's
cuisine blends Greek, Russian, and Turkish recipes. Fresh fruits, vegetables,
and meats are found in every meal.

Snezhanka is a popular salad made from chopped cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic, and walnuts. Bob chorba is a hearty bean soup jazzed up with vinegar and chili sauce. The hearty Gyuvech is a baked creation of fresh vegetables, potatoes, and lamb cubes.

Nightlife

Though Razgrad is smaller than other Bulgarian cities, there are a few discos, taverns, and bars.

Summary

As on of the smaller towns in Bulgaria, Razgrad is still an excellent additional to your itinerary. The ancient buildings are worthy of at least a daytrip. Area restaurants are worth sampling some of the local fare.

Hunters will want to spend a few days in Razgrad. The hunting in Voden Hunting Reserve will offer an unforgettable time.

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